15 in police custody for Shiv Temple vandalism on June 29; culprits to be booked under PSA
JAMMU: Following public outrage over the vandalism of a Shiv temple in Reasi district of Jammu, the administration has decided to install CCTV cameras in all temples across the district as a deterrent against such incidents, which create a law and order situation.
Officials announced this while pacifying agitated protesters during the Reasi bandh on Monday, called by Hindu organisations.
The temple was found vandalised in a village in Dharmari area on Saturday evening, prompting spontaneous protests.
Reasi SSP Mohita Sharma said while an FIR had already been registered and an SIT formed to identify and arrest all culprits, “those found involved in the case will be booked under the Public Safety Act (PSA)”. Police had apprehended 12 people till Sunday evening, while three more suspects had been detained on Monday, the SSP said.
When asked about a similar incident reported from Baradari area, where a temple dedicated to Lord Laxminarayan was desecrated, she said some suspects had been detained.
Police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed in strength in the sensitive areas in the district as a precautionary measure.
Meanwhile, Reasi town and adjoining areas observed a complete shutdown on Monday, and the protesters burnt tyres on various roads to block any traffic movement. A march was also taken out and the protesters submitted a list of demands to Reasi deputy commissioner (DC), Vishesh Paul Mahajan.
The protesters demanded that the culprits be arrested immediately, booked under the sedition law and should be given life imprisonment. Other demands included seizure of the property of those who vandalised the temple and ensuring the safety of the minority Hindus of Darmadi and Mahore, besides the security of every temple and the upcoming Kausarnag Yatra.
They also demanded that the role of preachers from outside Reasi district and J&K should be investigated and action taken against them, if found guilty.
The DC and the SSP visited the protest venue and assured them of stern action against the culprits.
JAMMU: Following public outrage over the vandalism of a Shiv temple in Reasi district of Jammu, the administration has decided to install CCTV cameras in all temples across the district as a deterrent against such incidents, which create a law and order situation.
Officials announced this while pacifying agitated protesters during the Reasi bandh on Monday, called by Hindu organisations.
The temple was found vandalised in a village in Dharmari area on Saturday evening, prompting spontaneous protests.
Reasi SSP Mohita Sharma said while an FIR had already been registered and an SIT formed to identify and arrest all culprits, “those found involved in the case will be booked under the Public Safety Act (PSA)”. Police had apprehended 12 people till Sunday evening, while three more suspects had been detained on Monday, the SSP said.
When asked about a similar incident reported from Baradari area, where a temple dedicated to Lord Laxminarayan was desecrated, she said some suspects had been detained.
Police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed in strength in the sensitive areas in the district as a precautionary measure.
Meanwhile, Reasi town and adjoining areas observed a complete shutdown on Monday, and the protesters burnt tyres on various roads to block any traffic movement. A march was also taken out and the protesters submitted a list of demands to Reasi deputy commissioner (DC), Vishesh Paul Mahajan.
The protesters demanded that the culprits be arrested immediately, booked under the sedition law and should be given life imprisonment. Other demands included seizure of the property of those who vandalised the temple and ensuring the safety of the minority Hindus of Darmadi and Mahore, besides the security of every temple and the upcoming Kausarnag Yatra.
They also demanded that the role of preachers from outside Reasi district and J&K should be investigated and action taken against them, if found guilty.
The DC and the SSP visited the protest venue and assured them of stern action against the culprits.